THUNDER BAY -- Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs will receive no help from city taxpayers in covering the cost of defending himself against criminal charges.
Last week the OPP announced that the mayor and his wife Marisa had both been charged with extortion and obstructing justice, and that city resident Mary Voss had been charged with extortion.
Court documents allege that last October they attempted to "induce Alexander 'Sandy' Zaitzeff to purchase a house, by threats, accusations or menace of disclosing criminal allegations to the police, thereby committing extortion" for the purpose of providing Voss with a place to live.
Zatizeff, a prominent Thunder Bay lawyer, late last year was arrested and charged with sexual offences involving a minor, multiple counts of sexual assault, assault as well as multiple firearms-related offences. The charges have not been proven in court.
OPP have also alleged that Hobbs and his wife between Dec. 21, 2016 and May 7 interfered in the RCMP's criminal investigation into the extortion claims.
Karen Lewis, director of corporate strategic services for the city, confirmed Monday that since the charges against the mayor involve a personal matter, legal fees are not the responsibility of the city.
Hobbs has taken a paid leave of absence from the mayor's chair, under the provisions of the Ontario Municipal Act.
He is represented by renowned Toronto defence lawyer Brian H. Greenspan.
